03-12927. Task Force for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives; Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

ACTION:

60-day emergency notice of information collection under review: New collection, survey on ensuring equal opportunity for applicants.

The Department of Justice, Task Force for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with emergency review procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. OMB approval has been requested by May 26, 2003. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments form the public and affected agencies. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. Comments should be directed to OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Department of Justice Desk Officer [phone], Washington, DC 20503.

During the first 60 days of this same review period, a regular review of this information collection is also being undertaken. All comments and suggestions, or questions regarding additional information, to include obtaining a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions, should be directed to U.S. Department of Justice, Task Force for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, ATTN: Patrick D. Purtill, Director, 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Room 4409, Washington, DC 20530.

Request written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Overview of This Information

(1) Type of information collection: New collection.

(2) The title of the form/collection: Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants.

(3) The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the department sponsoring the collection: Form Number: none. Task Force for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Department of Justice.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: not-for-profit institutions. Abstract: To ensure equal opportunity for all applicants including small, community-based, faith-based and religious groups, it is essential to collect information that enables the Federal agencies to determine the level of participation of such organizations in Federal grant programs while ensuring that such information is not used in grant-making decisions.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond/reply: There are approximately 15,361 respondents who will each require an average of five minutes to respond.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The total annual public burden hours for this information collection is estimated to be 1,280 hours.

If additional information is required contact: Robert B. Briggs, Department Clearance Officer, Information Management and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, 601 D Street, NW., Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, Washington, DC 20530.

Dated: May 19, 2003.

Robert B. Briggs,

Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice.